MRT-Moral Reconation Therapy in Boston, MA

MRT-Moral Reconation Therapy® is a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) program primarily used to treat people with substance use disorder (SUD) as well as those with a history of criminal recidivism. The program is listed under SAMSHA’s National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP) and has been independently identified as an effective tool for treating SUDs and preventing relapse. 

For decades, Moral Reconation Therapy has been used successfully by itself and in conjunction with mainstream and alternative therapies for controlling cravings for drugs and alcohol. 

Boston Drug Treatment Centers can help you find drug rehabilitation facilities in the Greater Boston Area that provide a variety of therapies for substance use disorders. For more information, call (857) 577-8193.

What is Moral Reconation Therapy®?

Developed in 1985, Moral Reconation Therapy® or MRT is a specialized cognitive-behavioral treatment that helps individuals change their behavior by supporting their moral reasoning. MRT also focuses on improving behaviors and the decision-making process for people who are recovering from problematic drug and alcohol use.

MRT has been used successfully in group and individual therapy settings. For recovering individuals who have led hedonistic lifestyles and want to rejoin society, this therapy can be helpful as it places value on rules and structures that lead to a much-improved life. A highly-specialized treatment regimen, moral reconation therapy needs to be provided by certified MRT therapists.

man sitting in the office talking about problems

The Eight Stages of Moral Reconation Therapy

MRT employs multiple stages that provide structure to the program. Recovering individuals move from one tenet to another and are guided through the program by their MRT facilitator. 

  1. The first stage of this therapy is the confrontation phase. The therapist confronts the addict about their beliefs and past behaviors associated with their substance use and lifestyle choices. 
  2. They next enter the relationship assessment tier of the program. Here, they assess their relationships with their family and friends. 
  3. During the third stage of MRT, participants focus on positive behaviors. They learn how to recognize and employ positive behaviors in their daily lives. 
  4. The fourth stage of MRT is focused on self-identity beliefs. Recovering addicts must work to “rebrand” their lives and learn how to move beyond their past attitudes about their beliefs and self-image. 
  5. The fifth stage builds on concepts of self through individual and group therapies. This stage helps contextualize their roles as moral individuals.
  6. MRT’s sixth stage is devoted to helping reduce one’s focus on pleasure-seeking activities. Therapists help participants curb their impulsive behaviors that are invariably destructive and focus more on mindfulness. Participants learn to devalue self-gratifying behaviors and, instead, place more value on caution and thoughtfulness.
  7. During the seventh stage of therapy, participants uncover ways to cope with negative emotions and frustration, feelings that can be construed as triggers associated with substance misuse and relapse
  8. The eighth and final stage of MRT involves an emphasis on moral reasoning, which supports positive decision-making. This will become central to the patient’s strategy for dealing with relapse triggers in the real world.

The eight basic stages provide a framework for the therapy. However, many addiction treatment centers have customized the program to include other treatments that support the overall concepts of MRT. In some cases, treatment centers have increased the stages so that recovering individuals may work through up to fifteen steps before program completion.

The Benefits of Moral Reconation Therapy

Relatively few changes have been made to the MRT process since it was conceptualized in 1985. Since then, a growing number of patients with substance use disorders have found success by participating in this program.

Here are some benefits patients and treatment specialists have observed:

MRT offers flexibility and customizability

A key benefit of the program is that it can be customized to any specific need. For instance, MRT can be applied in a non-religious manner, in contrast to traditional approaches that often require faith in a higher power.

Can be paired with other treatments

The flexibility does not end there. As with regular cognitive-behavioral therapy, MRT can also be included as part of a multi-pronged approach to SUD treatment to further improve long-term success rates.

Patients recover at their own pace

Many program participants also find that the individualized pacing of MRT is a key part of its success. Upon completion, SUD will have adopted new and positive ways to think about themselves and their behaviors.

Decades of research support MRT

Additionally, as MRT has been tested for almost four decades, there is plenty of data on its relative effectiveness. Many studies have demonstrated that MRT is an effective treatment for people with SUD. As mentioned earlier, the program is listed under SAMSHA’s NREPP and it has been independently tested and shown to be effective in managing substance use disorders.

Find Moral Reconation Therapy® in Boston

To learn more about this effective mainstream and alternative addiction treatment therapy, call Boston Drug Treatment Centers at (857) 577-8193 today.

Boston Drug Treatment Centers is a comprehensive directory of drug rehabs from all over the Greater Boston Area. Our specialists will be able to help you find facilities that offer moral reconation therapy and other therapeutic approaches right in you own neighborhood. Call now to get the help you need today.

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If you wish to explore additional treatment options or connect with a specific rehab center, you can: browse top-rated listings, visit our homepage, or visit SAMHSA, at www.samhsa.gov, or by calling 800-662-HELP. You may also contact The Florida Department of Children and Family Services at https://www.myflfamilies.com/